NICHOLAS AUGUSTINE NAMED CHIEF OF MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY POLICE

BALTIMORE (August 27, 2026) – The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) today announced Nicholas Augustine as its next chief of police following an extensive recruitment process. Augustine is a veteran law enforcement executive with more than 25 years of experience and currently serves as an assistant chief of police with Montgomery County Police Department. Augustine will begin his service with the MDTA Police on October 2. 

“We are confident that incoming Colonel Augustine is the right leader for this moment and for the future of the MDTA Police,” said Secretary of Transportation and MDTA Chair Katie Thomson. “His experience, proven leadership and commitment to public service will help advance MDTA’s mission of providing safe, secure and reliable transportation for the people of Maryland and the millions of travelers who use our facilities each year.”

Augustine takes the helm of the MDTA Police following the retirement of 26-year veteran Colonel Joseph Scott earlier this summer. 

“Incoming Colonel Augustine understands that effective policing requires both strong leadership within the department and a meaningful partnership with the community,” said MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner. “I look forward to working with him as we build on our successes, address the challenges ahead and continue our mission to safeguard the people who use and work at MDTA facilities. I want to thank Lieutenant Colonel Alford for his continued leadership and commitment to serving as acting chief of police during this time of transition.”

Augustine began his law enforcement career with the Montgomery County Police Department in 2002 after serving as a police officer with the Maryland-National Capital Park Police. Before rising to the rank of assistant chief of police with Montgomery County, he served as chief of the Investigative Services Bureau overseeing criminal investigations and specialized investigative operations. Throughout his career, Augustine held leadership assignments spanning patrol operations, criminal investigations, tactical operations, district command, organizational administration and executive management.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this department’s dedicated professionals and serve all those who use our facilities,” said incoming MDTA Chief of Police Colonel Nicholas Augustine. “The MDTA Police play a critical role in protecting some of our state’s most important transportation infrastructure, and I look forward to strengthening our partnerships and building on the strong foundation that has been established.”

Augustine holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland University College, a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University and a Master of Public Safety from the University of Virginia. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command.

The Maryland Transportation Authority Police, a nationally accredited force, is the eighth-largest law enforcement agency in the State with more than 500 sworn and civilian law enforcement professionals. MDTA Police Officers provide law enforcement services at the MDTA’s highways, bridges, and tunnels, at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and at the Port of Baltimore.